A hypertensive disorder of pregnancy is an established marker of later hypertension, ischaemic heart disease and stroke. The six-week check is often the last contact with obstetric care before that risk becomes the GP's.
Use it to measure blood pressure, review or step down antihypertensives, and hand over clearly: the diagnosis, the plan, and the expectation of at least yearly blood pressure checks. Name it in the discharge letter so it is not lost in the record.
- Measure and record blood pressure at the six-week visit — do not rely on the woman to report it.
- Write the hypertensive pregnancy diagnosis into the discharge summary and the problem list.
- Advise at least annual blood pressure checks and periodic checks of lipids and glucose.
- Counsel about aspirin and early booking in any future pregnancy.
- Add weight, smoking and activity advice — this is a cardiovascular risk conversation.
Why it matters
The postnatal visit is often the only point where obstetric risk becomes a primary care record.
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